2022 BMW X3 vs 2021 BMW X5

The 2021 BMW X5 was a testament to BMW's renowned craftsmanship, fitting seamlessly into the brand's SUV lineup. Its design, from the iconic kidney grille to the body shape, was unmistakably BMW, though this familiarity sometimes made it blend in with other models. The X5 featured full adaptive LED headlights and offered a choice between xLine and M Sport styling, with the latter providing a sportier appearance through body-color matched trims and high-gloss black accents. Wheel options ranged from 19 to 22 inches, adding to its customizable appeal. Inside, the X5's interior was consistent with BMW's design language, utilizing parts from the brand's extensive catalog. While the interior was not groundbreaking, it was well-crafted, featuring leather and soft-touch materials, though the black plastic elements were prone to dust. M Sport models boasted unique styling elements, including an M sports steering wheel and exclusive interior trim.

The 2022 BMW X3, available in four variants, presented a slightly more aggressive exterior design with a larger kidney grille and slimmer adaptive full LED headlights. The rear featured new taillights with a distinctive claw-shaped design, larger exhaust tips, and a redesigned bumper. The X3 offered an M Sport Package for certain models, enhancing its sporty appearance with larger air intakes and a sportier rear bumper. The interior of the X3 was clean and efficient, with dark oak wood trim, power-adjustable front sport seats, and a standard panoramic moonroof on the M40i. The X3's interior color options varied by material, with SensaTec and Vernasca leather choices. Ambient lighting with 11 color combinations added to the cabin's ambiance, while the redesigned center console improved accessibility to frequent touchpoints.

The 2021 BMW X5 offered a range of powertrain options, all paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base X5 sDrive40i/xDrive40i featured a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine producing 335 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque. The X5 M50i boasted a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 with 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque, while the X5 M delivered 600 hp, increasing to 617 hp with the Competition Package. The X5 xDrive45e plug-in hybrid model combined a 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine with a 24-kilowatt-hour battery, achieving 389 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque, and offering up to 30 miles of all-electric range. The X5's driving dynamics were not as engaging as other BMW models, with steering issues at higher speeds and a Lincoln-like cabin experience that minimized road and engine noise. The X5's fuel efficiency varied, with the X5 M achieving 15 mpg combined, the X5 M50i at 18 mpg, and the X5 xDrive45e rated at 50 MPGe when using both electricity and gas.

The 2022 BMW X3 featured an eight-speed automatic transmission across all models. The X3 sDrive30i and xDrive30i were powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 248 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, with a 0-60 mph time of 6 seconds. The X3 M40i added a 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder engine with a mild-hybrid system, producing 382 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, achieving a 0-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds. The X3's fuel economy was slightly lower than the previous model year, with the sDrive30i achieving 25 mpg combined and the xDrive30i at 24 mpg combined. The M40i's mild-hybrid system did not improve fuel economy, with an EPA rating of 23 mpg combined. The X3's driving experience varied, with the M40i offering a more exhilarating ride compared to the xDrive30i, thanks to its additional power and sportier features.

The 2021 BMW X5 made efficient use of space, with front cupholders conveniently placed and a wireless phone charging pad out of the driver's line of sight. The seating was spacious and comfortable for short trips, though the front seats could feel hard after extended periods. The rear seats accommodated two adults comfortably, with an optional third row available. The X5's climate controls were easy to manage, and the split liftgate with power functionality made loading cargo convenient. The X5 xDrive45e offered slightly less cargo space than the traditional X5, but the difference was minimal for most buyers.

The 2022 BMW X3 provided comfort and practicality, with seating for five and ample storage space. The rear seats featured a 40/20/40-split, offering flexibility for cargo and passengers. The X3's power tailgate and optional hands-free opening added convenience. The SensaTec seats were comfortable, with the upgraded Vernasca leather offering additional softness. The X3's redesigned center console improved ergonomics, with a larger standard infotainment system and push-button controls for climate and audio functions. The matte finish of the buttons maintained a smudge-free appearance, while the new rotary dial offered a non-slip grip.

The 2021 BMW X5 came equipped with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The standard features included a digital gauge cluster, a 10-speaker sound system, voice recognition, Bluetooth, five USB ports, navigation, HD Radio, satellite radio, automatic climate control, a proximity key, and a panoramic moonroof. Optional upgrades included remote start, a head-up display, quad-zone automatic climate control, a wireless smartphone charger, massaging seats, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and premium audio systems. The BMW iDrive system required some acclimation but was user-friendly once familiar.

The 2022 BMW X3 featured BMW Live Cockpit Plus with iDrive 7 telematics, including a 5.1-inch color display instrument panel and a 10.25-inch infotainment screen. Standard features included navigation, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa integration, two USB ports, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, and various connected digital features. The optional Live Cockpit Professional enlarged both screens to 12.3 inches and offered a fully digital experience. The X3's standard audio system was a 12-speaker HiFi sound system, with an optional Harman Kardon surround sound system available for M40i models. Additional tech options included a Convenience Package and a Premium Package, offering features like keyless entry, a panoramic sunroof, and heated seats.

The 2021 BMW X5 was equipped with a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, parking sensors, rain-sensing windshield wipers, fatigue and focus alert, lane departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. However, the Driving Assistance Professional Package had issues with adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping systems, particularly in sunny or rainy conditions. The X5 received nearly all Good ratings from the IIHS and a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 BMW X3 received a five-star crash safety rating from the NHTSA. While IIHS crash test results were not available for the 2022 model, the 2018 X3 was named a Top Safety Pick+. The 2022 X3 added more safety features, including adaptive LED headlights, a rearview camera, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, active blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and active pre-collision protection systems. The available Parking Assistance Package and Driving Assistant Professional Package offered additional safety and driver-assistance features, such as traffic jam assistance and active lane-keep assist.